Salt exports and toilets: Netumbo recounts first three months in office

President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah yesterday spoke about the successes attained in her first three months in office - citing reforms, appointments and sectoral interventions aimed at transforming Namibia’s governance culture and economic trajectory.Presenting the report during the launch of the 6th National Development Plan (NDP6) at the University of Namibia, the head of state described the early days of her administration as “a decisive shift towards a governance culture that is strategic, responsive and performance-driven.”On her second day in office, 22 March 2025, Nandi-Ndaitwah appointed a streamlined Cabinet of 14 ministers and seven deputy ministers. All 14 regional governors have since taken office, following a mandatory orientation workshop. “This is a lean and effective team anchored on my five leadership values: Pragmatism, accountability, integrity, meritocracy and inclusivity,” she said.Cabinet ministers are expected to align their performance agreements with the NDP6 goals. Signing of the agreements will begin this month.During her first 90 days, President Nandi-Ndaitwah conducted official visits to Angola, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa. She also attended the US-Africa Business Summit in Luanda, positioning Namibia as a prime investment destination.Namibia hosted the first-ever Commonwealth Trade Ministers Meeting outside the UK, and launched its first shipment under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area – 45,000 tonnes of salt exported to Nigeria and Cameroon.Institutional reform and service deliveryThe Office of the Prime Minister launched innovation boot camps in the //Kharas and Hardap regions, using design thinking to solve local problems. A new one-stop-shop model for integrated public services is being developed.The National Youth Fund has been capitalised with N$257 million, with operations set to start by mid-August. Government disbursed over N$101 million in livestock support and provided drought relief to 1.4 million Namibians, alongside flood relief in eight regions.Namibia Correctional Services produced food worth N$13.9 million, while new green scheme sites were identified in Zambezi and Ohangwena. A food project piloted in Omaheke with the World Food Programme will be rolled out nationwide.The state is currently constructing 3,492 housing units and has completed phase one of a police village in Windhoek. Also, 31 informal settlements are undergoing formalisation, while 1,019 toilets were built across 11 regions.After Mozambique withdrew from hosting the AU Region 5 Youth Games, Namibia stepped in. Within weeks, N$127 million was invested to renovate facilities in Windhoek and Swakopmund. The event created over 1,600 direct and indirect jobs.Health, education and securityExtended operating hours were piloted at Katutura Health Centre, with Okuryangava Clinic to follow in August. Construction of new clinics began in seven locations, and 36 ambulances were procured and distributed.In education, the administration began consultations to eliminate tuition fees at public universities and vocational centres from 2026. A total of 734 graduate internships were facilitated during this period.Meanwhile, a National Counter-Terrorism Centre was established, and digital identity reforms launched.The police intensified patrols amid a surge in drug-related crimes, while the government launched the #EndGBVNamibia campaign in early June.Some 405 veterans received notification of their successful applications. Over 2,900 learners from marginalised communities received transport assistance, and 140 students with disabilities were funded.“Our first three months marked the foundation of a transformed Namibia,” Nandi-Ndaitwah said. “We are not waiting. We are acting.”She pledged regular sector updates from the prime minister and ministers and called on all Namibians to “pull together with one heart and one mind” as the nation pursues its development agenda under NDP6.

Salt exports and toilets: Netumbo recounts first three months in office

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-22

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Salt exports and toilets: Netumbo recounts first three months in office

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-22

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